Barrett-Jackson announced today that it generated more than $23 million in sales of rare, high-end collectible vehicles, exotics, customs, classics and Shelbys during its 5th annual Las Vegas auction. The auction company increased its overall hammer average from 2011, proving that the car market is stronger than ever. Automobilia sales reached more than $660,000, an outstanding 45% increase from 2011. More than 68,000 car enthusiasts attended the event, representing over a 10% increase from the year before. The internationally-famed auction took place at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, September 20-22, 2012.

Barrett-Jackson’s auction was center stage for world-breaking records on Saturday night, when Lot #6600, a 1967 Mustang Shelby Super Snake sold for $330,000, Lot #674, a 1970 Shelby GT500 sold for $220,000, and Lot #635.1, a 1962 Lincoln Continental Convertible sold for $113,300 the highest sales for vehicles of their kind. In addition to these world records, the highest selling cars over the three-day event also included Lot #670, a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird Two-Door Hardtop which fetched $297,000 and Lot # 651, a 1967 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback selling at $275,000.

A strong celebrity presence included the cast of the popular television reality show Pawn Stars, plus Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford and drummer Joey Kramer. Kramer was onsite when The Mission Continues charity car crossed the block and he contributed $5,000 to the additional donations raised. Barrett-Jackson raised over $540,000 for local and national charitable organizations that include the Darrell Gwynn Foundation, YMCA of Southern Nevada, Team Joseph, TGEN and Festival of Hope, the Mission Continues and the Greg Biffle Foundation.

Las Vegas attendees got a sneak preview of select vehicles from the 2013 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Salon Collection in the Exhibitor Pavilion. Barrett-Jackson’s Salon Collection is an exclusive group of vehicles that will cross the block during a pre designated time in an arena with qualified bidders. The collection included the newly-restored legendary Shelby Prototype, dubbed “The Green Hornet”, a 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL owned by Clark Gable and one of only 11 1971 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda Convertibles ever built.

“As each car crossed the auction block this past weekend, you could feel the excitement and enthusiasm in the air amongst our bidders, consignors and the animated Las Vegas crowd,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO, Barrett-Jackson. “Several consignors waited on the sidelines because of the uncertainty in the world market and after seeing the results, they are eager for our Scottsdale show early next year. The collector car market proves to be stronger than ever and we look forward to an exciting auction in Scottsdale where we have a great collection of vehicles being sold.”

The auction, which featured nearly 525 vehicles, was viewed by millions across the country on Speed, with 20 hours of live exclusive event and auction coverage.